Page 117 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)
She looks incredibly embarrassed, but she doesn’t deny it. “I know it sounds crazy. It was just… how I was raised.”
Interesting.
“That’s a ridiculous notion,” I tell her. “Life is short for damn near everyone. And even if you’re lucky enough to get a long way, it’s a fucking shit show.”
I get the predictable flinch I’m expecting.
“Let me guess: you were raised not to swear, either.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “Why am I here, Phoenix?” she asks in a tone that finally has a little more fight in it.
There we go,krasotka. Push back. Show me your cards.
“I’ve been thinking about your request that I help support you with your son.”
Her expression crumples. “He’s your son, too.”
I tighten my fist in my lap. “That remains to be seen.”
“Why would I lie?”
I raise one eyebrow. “For exactly this,” I say, gesturing around the restaurant.
Her spoon hits the plate with a clatter. She pushes herself away from the table instantly. “You’re accusing me of extortion? You think I’m some… some… gold digger?” She says the word like it’s poison.
“Not if the child is really mine.”
“You’re a brute.”
I can’t help but smile at the conservative word. “Oh,krasotka…” I murmur.
“Stop it!” she snaps, raising her voice for the first time all evening.
“Stop what?”
“Stop calling me that. Stop looking at me like… like I’m broken.”
That gives me pause. An unexpected answer. “That’s what you think I’m doing?”
“That’s exactly what you’re doing. I’m not stupid. It’s how the whole world has looked at me ever since I left home. It’s almost enough to make me wish I never left.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“How do you know?” she asks defensively.
“Because you’re not a good liar.”
“Oh? Then why are you so convinced I’m a spy?”
I smile. “Touché.”
“Are we done here?” she asks. She sounds bitter, angry. Desperate to be anywhere but here.
Too bad I have no intention of letting her go.
“Not quite.” I gesture for one of my security guards to come forward from where he’s standing in the shadows.
Elyssa glances back over her shoulder as Mika approaches with a huge duffel bag. He sets it down next to me and walks back to his spot without saying a word.
